A 'leitmotif' is a short, recurring musical motif that is associated with a character, a place, an emotion, or an idea in a musical composition. Leitmotifs are often used in film music, opera, and symphonic music to tell a story or create a specific atmosphere. The leitmotif is easily recognizable and can be repeated throughout the work for dramatic purposes.
Goals
Train your ear to recognize subtle variations in a series of melodic patterns.
Tips for success
After listening to the first pattern, sing along with the subsequent patterns while continuing to listen attentively. If you perceive no difference, the patterns are likely identical. If you detect a slight variation, the pattern may be different.
Musical examples
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: 1. Allegro con brio -
London Symphony Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Classical music
Ludwig van Beethoven
This instantly recognizable theme is based on two intervals:
A Major third E♭-G
A minor third D-F
The melody thus plays G, G, G, E♭, followed by F, F, F, D.
Smoke On The Water -
Deep Purple
Rock
Ian GillanIan Paice, Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover
This iconic rock motif constructed on a sequence of fourths starting from the interval D-G. The melody is made up of the notes G, B♭, C / G, B♭, D♭, C / G, B♭, C / B♭, G.
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction -
Rolling Stones
Rock
Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
This guitar riff repeating three notes, B, C#, D, is constructed within the harmonic framework of the E7 chord: E, G#, B, D.
L'uomo dell'armonica -
Ennio Morricone
Soundtrack
Ennio Morricone
This famous theme is built on the three notes E, C, D#, played evocatively and expressively on the harmonica.
